SAFC Global

Club continue to strengthen African links

Published: 31 March, 2014
by Sunderland AFC

Successful visit to South Africa.

Sunderland AFC continues to strengthen its links with the African continent this month following a visit to South Africa.

Gary Hutchinson, commercial director at Sunderland AFC, has been visiting South Africa as part of club’s participation and activity in the Future Champions Gauteng Cup and Barclays Premier League Live.

Gary, who was present to see Sunderland AFC’s under-16 team beat Qatari side Aspire Academy 2-1, also took the opportunity to meet with a number of major organisations to discuss the club’s continued commitment to help transform the continent’s business landscape.

As part of SAFC’s range of activities in South Africa, the Black Cats featured at the Barclays Premier League Live event in Johannesburg. Present at the fan park initiative was club partner Bidvest Wits and their Head of Development Affairs, Glen Salmon, who caught up with Gary to talk about the club’s continued partnership.

As part of the partnership with Bidvest Wits, Sunderland share coaching and business expertise, offering practical support and advice in youth coaching, player development, fitness and medical matter as well as business strategy.

Gary said: “We are committed to helping transform the continent’s business landscape and it’s great to be able to showcase the great work the club is doing through its activity in the Future Champions Cup and Premier League Live.

“The visit has enabled us to build on our relationships with some of biggest companies in Africa and to continue to develop the club’s international profile.”

Sunderland AFC has established itself as one of the most recognised and respected English Premier League clubs across Africa due to its many partnerships, football club relationships and grass-root activities with African fans being welcomed into the family of Sunderland supporters in increasing numbers.